FLAX-CUTTING RATES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4424, 8 March 1930, Page 2

FLAX-CUTTING RATES.

AMENDED AWARD SOUGHT.

Tlie Arbitration Court, Wellington, on Wednesday heard an application by the Manawatu Flaxmill Workers’ Union regarding the rate of payment for two new methods of cutting, flax. At a sitting of the Court at Palmerston North in November last, it was agreed that such a rate be fixed for the new methods as would produce similar returns in pay to those given by other methods. The Court suggested that a test be made of the two new methods. Such a test was made. At the previous hearing the Court intimated that any change made in the award would be retrospective to 15th November.

On AH. W. Bromley appeared for the workers’ union, but there was no appearance on behalf of the employers.

His Honour Mr. Justice Frazer

-aid that a letter had been received from the president of the Manawatu Flaxmillers’ Association (Mr. Seifert) stating that “the .trial was absolutely mis-leading.” The assuciation also urged that the further hearing of the ease take place at Palmerston North. It was stated that the notice given had been too short to enable the employers to send representatives to Wellington. There seemed to have been some misunderstanding on the part ofMhe employers as to the procedure of the Court.

It was agreed that the representatives of the workers’ union should confer with the Court in chambers with a view of ascertaining if it would be possible to have the .nse heard at Palmerston North.